'Spirit of the Charro': What to wear

STOCKTON - The drama and romance of life on the range will be celebrated in prose and poetry Thursday at "Spirit of the Charro," to be held at The Haggin Museum.

Jennifer Torres

STOCKTON - The drama and romance of life on the range will be celebrated in prose and poetry Thursday at "Spirit of the Charro," to be held at The Haggin Museum.

The event, which starts at 7 p.m., is part of the museum's First and Third Thursdays series and will be presented by members of the Heritage Writers Community. Free wine and snacks will be served beginning at 6:30 p.m.

"Spirit of the Charro" was organized to complement the special exhibition, "Charrerķa," currently on display at the Haggin. The show features more than 150 finely crafted pieces - leather work, silver and iron work, textiles and costumes - designed for the charro, or Mexican cowboy.

The tradition of charrerķa, similar to American rodeo, is deeply revered in Mexican culture. The pieces on display at the Haggin, including spurs and sombreros, saddles and bridles, were crafted by skilled artisans. Create a look inspired by their work and passion with items like these, available locally:

Necklace: A rustic necklace, combining distressed leather with pearl and metallic embellishments, calls to mind both the artistic and utilitarian natures of charrerķa. This one, by Stockton-based jewelry designer Ester Bruno, is available via Etsy.com (etsy.com/shop/empedrinidesigns).

Hat: In a subtle nod to the charro culture, this wool felt fedora - by Stockton-based Dorfman Pacific - has a Western twist (available at REI. Location at Stockton's Stone Creek Village shopping center, or online at rei.com).

Scarf: An accessory like this scarf - with its bright, geometric design - celebrates the lively spirit of charrerķa (Forever 21. Location at Stockton's Weberstown Mall, or online at Forever21.com).

Purse: In two-toned leather, a cross-body handbag, such as this one by The Sak, echoes the shape and feel of a charro's saddlebag (available at Macy's. Locations at Stockton's Sherwood Mall and Tracy's West Valley Mall).